Nolan Ryan to throw first pitch to Craig Biggio

Two Astros legends will assume their original playing positions for the ceremonial first pitch for the team’s opener against the Yankees on Tuesday.

Former Astros ace and current executive advisor Nolan Ryan will take the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to Craig Biggio, who first started in the Astros organization as a catcher, and now serves as a special assistant to the general manager. In Biggio’s first year in the Majors, he caught Nolan Ryan’s 100th win as an Astro while they were both on the 1988 Astros squad.

One of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Nolan Ryan is a true Texas icon. Take a look at his life and legendary career.

One of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Nolan Ryan is a true Texas icon. Take a look at his life and legendary career.

Photo: Howard Castleberry / Houston Chronicle file

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Shown here in an illustration, The Ryan Express was a Little League All-Star in his hometown of Alvin.

Shown here in an illustration, The Ryan Express was a Little League All-Star in his hometown of Alvin.

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Houston Chronicle file

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See if you can spot Nolan Ryan from his days playing in Alvin.

See if you can spot Nolan Ryan from his days playing in Alvin.

Photo: Handout photo

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As a sophomore at Alvin High School, Nolan Ryan (shown here in yearbook photo) was voted Most Handsome.

As a sophomore at Alvin High School, Nolan Ryan (shown here in yearbook photo) was voted Most Handsome.

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Houston Chronicle file

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Nolan Ryan in pitching pose during his high school years in Alvin.

Nolan Ryan in pitching pose during his high school years in Alvin.

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Houston Chronicle file

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Nolan and Ruth Ryan's wedding photo in 1967.

Nolan and Ruth Ryan's wedding photo in 1967.

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Houston Chronicle file

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Nolan Ryan was drafted by the Mets in the 12th round of the 1965 draft. Pictured is New York scout Red Murff's glowing report on Ryan in 1964

Nolan Ryan was drafted by the Mets in the 12th round of the 1965 draft. Pictured is New York scout Red Murff's glowing report on Ryan in 1964

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Houston Chronicle file

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Nolan Ryan spent five seasons with the Mets (1966-1971).

Nolan Ryan spent five seasons with the Mets (1966-1971).

Photo: Handout from Houston Chronicle files

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Nolan Ryan's 1968 rookie baseball card.

Nolan Ryan's 1968 rookie baseball card.

Photo: Howard Castleberry / Houston Chronicle

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In this October 8, 1969 photo, Nolan Ryan warms up at Shea Stadium. Ryan pitched for the Mets in their first World Series against the Baltimore Orioles in 1969.

In this October 8, 1969 photo, Nolan Ryan warms up at Shea Stadium. Ryan pitched for the Mets in their first World Series against the Baltimore Orioles in 1969.

Photo: John Duprey / New York Daily News

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Under the eyes of New York Mets coaches Wes Stock and Rube Walker, a young Nolan Ryan displays his pitching talents in a Mets' training camp in St. Petersburg, Fla in 1968

Under the eyes of New York Mets coaches Wes Stock and Rube Walker, a young Nolan Ryan displays his pitching talents in a Mets' training camp in St. Petersburg, Fla in 1968

Photo: New York Daily News archives

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Nolan Ryan's World Series ring from the champion 1969

Nolan Ryan's World Series ring from the champion 1969

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Houston Chronicle file photo

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In 1968, Ryan was 6-5 on June 23, but he didn't get another victory.

In 1968, Ryan was 6-5 on June 23, but he didn't get another victory.

Photo: Herb Scharfman / Sports Illustrated

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Nolan Ryan is shown during a game against Los Angeles Dodgers in New York's Shea Stadium on April 19, 1968. Ryan struck out 11 Dodgers before being relieved in the eight inning. Even at age 21, the Texas was being compared to Walter Johnson and Bob Feller. less

Nolan Ryan is shown during a game against Los Angeles Dodgers in New York's Shea Stadium on April 19, 1968. Ryan struck out 11 Dodgers before being relieved in the eight inning. Even at age 21, the Texas was ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Nolan Ryan holding baseball when he set Mets team record striking out 14 Reds in 1968.

Nolan Ryan holding baseball when he set Mets team record striking out 14 Reds in 1968.

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Houston Chronicle file

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Nolan Ryan's Mets uniform when he was with the 1969 World Series champs is on display at the Nolan Ryan museum in Alvin.

Nolan Ryan's Mets uniform when he was with the 1969 World Series champs is on display at the Nolan Ryan museum in Alvin.

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Houston Chronicle

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December 10, 1971, Nolan Ryan was traded to the California Angels. He would spend the next years of his career with the Angels (1972-1979).

December 10, 1971, Nolan Ryan was traded to the California Angels. He would spend the next years of his career with the Angels (1972-1979).

Photo: Handout

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New York Yankees pitcher Jim 'Catfish' Hunter and California Angels pitcher Nolan Ryan meet before a game in New York on June 9, 1975.

New York Yankees pitcher Jim 'Catfish' Hunter and California Angels pitcher Nolan Ryan meet before a game in New York on June 9, 1975.

Photo: Associated Press

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A shot of a Nolan Ryan autographed baseball card.

A shot of a Nolan Ryan autographed baseball card.

Photo: Handout

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Nolan Ryan tips his cap after striking out Oakland's Marty Perez and tieing Sandy Koufax's all-time major league record in 10-plus strikeout games of 97 in Anaheim, Calif., in this July 4, 1977 file photo. less

Nolan Ryan tips his cap after striking out Oakland's Marty Perez and tieing Sandy Koufax's all-time major league record in 10-plus strikeout games of 97 in Anaheim, Calif., in this July 4, 1977 file ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Nolan Ryan is surrounded by teammates on June 1, 1975 as he leaves the field at Anaheim, Calif, after tossing a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles. It was Ryan's fourth no-hitter of his major league career. less

Nolan Ryan is surrounded by teammates on June 1, 1975 as he leaves the field at Anaheim, Calif, after tossing a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles. It was Ryan's fourth no-hitter of his major league ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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California Angels' Nolan Ryan watches his pitch as he warms up in Detroit, in this May 25, 1977 photo.

California Angels' Nolan Ryan watches his pitch as he warms up in Detroit, in this May 25, 1977 photo.

Photo: Associated Press

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Nolan Ryan's first no-hitter ball 5/15/73, Angels 3 Royals 0.

Nolan Ryan's first no-hitter ball 5/15/73, Angels 3 Royals 0.

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Houston Chronicle file

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At the age of 28, Nolan Ryan has the face of an Angel after tying Sandy Koufax's record of four no-hitters in his 12th start of the 1975 season.

At the age of 28, Nolan Ryan has the face of an Angel after tying Sandy Koufax's record of four no-hitters in his 12th start of the 1975 season.

Photo: John G. Zimmerman / Sports Illustrated

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Nolan Ryan won 138 games with the Angels.

Nolan Ryan won 138 games with the Angels.

Photo: John G. Zimmerman / Sports Illustrated

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Nolan Ryan tops out at four no-hitters as an Angel on June 1, 1975.

Nolan Ryan tops out at four no-hitters as an Angel on June 1, 1975.

Photo: John G. Zimmerman / Sports Illustrated

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Nolan Ryan's California Angels uniform.

Nolan Ryan's California Angels uniform.

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Houston Chronicle file

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Nolan Ryan pitching for the Astros in 1980.

Nolan Ryan pitching for the Astros in 1980.

Photo: Rich Pilling / Getty Images

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Nolan Ryan after he records his 4,000th strikeout.

Nolan Ryan after he records his 4,000th strikeout.

Photo: Tim Johnson / Associated Press

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Nolan Ryan picks up his fifth career no-hitter.

Nolan Ryan picks up his fifth career no-hitter.

Photo: Tim Johnson / AP

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Nolan Ryan as an Astro with Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax during spring training in 1980.

Nolan Ryan as an Astro with Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax during spring training in 1980.